Along with it’s unique city views and beautiful parks, the historic Northeast Denver area is an artistic, innovative, and energetic community. Let this list inspire your next family class or outing.
The Craftsman & Apprentice
(West City Park)
The Craftsman & Apprentice is designed for people of all ages to experiment and create! If you have little ones, the weekly Tinker Tots drop-in workshop was created with them in mind. Your budding carpenter or artisan (ages 2.5-5) will be supervised as they plan, construct and make a mess build to their heart’s delight. This class meets on Fridays from 10:00-11:30 am. Be sure to sign up on their beautiful website and while you’re there check out the adult workshops and other exciting venue ideas.
Red
Line Gallery
(RiNo)
Bearing the motto, “where art is made,” the RiNo art district is home to many art galleries and studios, all happy to see families! When you’re planning a visit, call ahead to get ideas about best times and dates.
RedLine Studio believes in the transformational power of art and stands out in the Five Points community by infusing art opportunities. For example, the Community Studio is stocked with supplies and kid friendly art stations that rotate with the opening of each new exhibit. Their Young Artists program is an ongoing art class for kids, currently meeting on Saturday mornings in July/August from 9:30-10:30. Finally, everyone is welcome to check out the Play Space Project held at Curtis Park from 10:30-12, all summer long. We went last week and my daughters loved the movement and dance activities!
Bluff Lake Fireside Chats
(Stapleton)
This modest wildlife refuge is formerly the Stapleton airport runway “crash zone.” The barren land and remote location combine to become a thriving eco-system and home to many animals. Today, Bluff Lake functions as an outdoor classroom, with programs both educational and inspiring. The Fireside Chats are no exception! You’ll gather around a campfire with your family, roast a few marshmallows, and learn about nature! Upcoming dates are July 23, 2015 and August 6, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m with a suggested $1 donation, per person.
The Art Garage
(Park Hill)
Featuring small (maximum class size is 20), high-quality art classes, this non-profit is making a meaningful contribution to the neighborhood. They offer summer camps (going on now) and various, age-range based classes year round for kids as young as 3 – 18. It’s not hard to see that everyone here is having the time of their lives making beautiful art!
Juiced to Go
Giving you yet another reason to visit the Big Wonderful this summer, The Juiced to Go studio is popping up all around town. Kids can choose from hundreds of long lasting, professional quality face paint designs to make their summer fun even more memorable.
Restaurants and Coffee Shops
If you’re looking for family friendly places to eat, you can’t go wrong with these unique local spots.
When in RiNo, don’t miss:
- Huckleberry Roasters: making coffee into delicious art.
- Crema: a great menu for breakfast or lunch. We’re partial to the sweets. Sometimes we get food to go and head to the park.
- The Source: an open air market featuring some of Denver’s best artisans. Eat at Comida when you’re there with the kids.
- Happy Leaf Kombucha: a roomy, aesthetically pleasing space, but they don’t have a lot when it comes to food.
- Rosenbergs Bagels: will give you a taste for real new york style bagels (which was a first for my kids and they loved it!)
When in Park Hill, be sure to try:
- Cake Crumbs: serves coffee, breakfast, lunch and cake (obviously!), plus you’ll find toys for the kids.
- Oblios Pizza: great for a classic pizza pie and beer, always full with kids and families.
- Eis Gelato: a refreshing treat!
- Spinellis Bakery: serving up not only pastries, but also ice cream.
- Station 26: a brewery with rotating taps, food trucks, and indoor/outdoor seating, you’ll always see this place packed with families.
